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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

©[jail, A^niSpjjngi^l l^a... 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



^^^ RUFINASi"^^^ 



BY 



Ed. Langner.^- 



Allegheny, (Pa., March lO^gi. 
July 20 -g 4. 






Cfi 



RUFINAS." 

By Edward Lanoner. 



A Tragedy in 5 Acts, 



CHAKACTERS REPRESENTED. 

Rufinas, I B^^jh^^^ | Uncrowned King of Naples 

Fabius, J J Usurp to the Crown 

Cornelius, ) (. j^^ f Follower of Rufinas 

Lentulus, I ' 1 Follower of Fabius 

Lucullus, Son of Fabius 

Terrentius Varro, Keeper at the Prison 

Duke of Prossedi, | Grandees at Fabius' Court 

Duke of Tollo, j " 
Salvator, ") 

Pietro, t Robbers, Folllowers of Rufinas 

Ludovic, ^ 

1st Robber, 2d Robber 

1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th Villagers 

Theodric's Ghost 

An Artist 

A Scamp, ••• 

S^yll^' I Rufinas' Children 

Rosetta, J 1 

Cordelia, Wife to Rufinas 

Villagers, Robbers, Guardsmen and Grandees at Court. 
SCENE— Naples. TIME— Sixth Century, 



^'^ ^^ 






6^ 



THPSO-007C70 



ACT 1. 
Scene I. — A Field near Naples. 

Enter Lentulus and Cornelius in armour. 

Lentulus : By the gods, Cornelius, our enemy sways the fortune of 
this day's fight with stubborn heroism. Thrice have our legions 
stamped defeat upon his bloody brow, and he as oft' made vict'ries of 
them, and smote back like despair 'pon ourselves. 

Cornelius : Oh ! Glorious field. 

Lentulus : What charm is there, that ruthless war hounds bloody 
the virtue of a noble cause. 

Cornelius : How now, cousin, thy uncle's for a cause, though 
bruised, seems bearded alongside thee, to pluck at iufantlike, that 
each chance stroke sends thee wailing to tugging it the more. 

Lentulus : There's task in speaking with a forked tongue. 

Cornelius: No less than without justice as a guide. 

Lentulus : The King's right scorns to be lead lame. 

Cornelius : The King's right is matter open to scrutiny. 

Lentulus : By treachery. 

Cornelius : Hearken, Lentulus, take Cornelius' sword ; in the length 
and breadth of this great kingdom, abides none loyal equal him. 

Lentulus : Thou ill defendst the country's greatness, now she needs 
thee armed and wieldy. 

Cornelius : Thus, my countrymen's defence supplants the gaudy 
bauble. I would not play at leap-frog with the people's weal. 

Lentulus . Marry, thou dost not know thy coward mind. 

Cornelius : Nor thou thine uncle's cause. 

Lentulus : Nor thou thine argument. 

Cornelius : Soft, thy peace ; Rufinas in arms against the King, is 
Fabius' half-brother by the first Queen. In Theodric's reign, he with, 
others - some pretext being given as to need — was despatched into the 
Gothic States. A lull, months ripened, six had flown. Already leth- 
argy bound fast. When lo ! A messenger with tidings shook the 
realm out of its fetters. The day of peaceful joy, as by the whirlwind's 
blast swept over was hushed and changed :-—We mourned. From 
mouth to mouth the whisperings went, now loud, now lost : "Rufinas 
is slain," "By whom," "Wherefore," "Remorse," "Vengeance," until 
the mutterings gave way to melancholy that even hope, 



4 Rufinas. 



that curative to dread, that ministers and heals men's woes, was 
stricken down and sickened J at the great calamity, while forebod- 
ing sat morose in every mind, brooding the fear we entertained 
though dared not openly avow. It laid the people in a siege this sud- 
den stroke whereof the hand that planned took 'vantage on the spur. 
Terror reigned over us, the rich blood spoilt, perfidy allured free will ; 
Never was outrage perpetrated in the sight of heaven, moving earth 
and man for righting, that the heart's flow stopped as affectually against 
the supplication. Nor was the worst yet ; true, indignation awhile 
prevailed, unbelievers shook heads murmuring waxed wroth ; but 
there it ended. The crisis came descending, the ferment quick burst, 
the people were slaves, conspirators, that should have been free citizens 
and defenders. Thus, by accursed stroke perished loyalty and venge- 
ance both. On every hand cringed men their patriotism extinguished, 
groping in the dark in meek subjection, the sport of "tyranny". Nay, 
all these years, the very marrow in our bones has withered to awe, 
our craven selves to shaggy mass of common cur. 

Lentulus : And the tidings ? — What new else. — 

Cornelius : To Fabius favorable, but to the people stern, as of them 
either Rufinas was better liked, his nature counterparting his great 
father to perfection, and who was well beloved because his greatness 
was the counterpart of his great goodness. Well, soon after the report 
was spread, Fabius gave public token of his love, by bribing together 
an expedition, and himself marching at the head, set out in search. 

Lentulus : Most worthy. I applaud. 

Cornelius : Oh ! Had the aim been carried out ; But Fabius de- 
signed this new stroke for popularity ; he would have that with his 
villainy, - and by the gods, it eludes his wooing and far remains beyond 
his fawning reach to the very day. 

Lentulus : I envy— shall I say thee, or what is thy most — bragging 
which grows upon thee sooth, so in thy doings all. 

Cornelius : There is a glass between us, a fine partition, at which 
the eye grows feeble gazing, and never penetrates beyond, but centers 
'pon an indistinct, imperfect something, on which we see not each him- 
self, but ourselves each in the other's self. 

Lentulus : I would I were a tale. . 

Cornelius : Aye. 

Lentulus : Thou wouldst make much of me. 

Cornelius : Anon, wail that wisdom e'en makes fools its asses, 
though wise men's selves — supposing thee for none — oft' make mis- 
takes as to the which, their wisdom or their makes, are made most of 
in proof. 

Lentulus : Thou art a compliment I needs praise, that thou under- 
standst thyself and dost receipt in full all thou begets t of frenzy. But 
have at thee, wouldst the fable carry to end, I caution, get thee now 
done with it. 



Rufinas. 



Cornelius : Well then, Fabius being three months alert to espy a 
scepter from a distance, here at home, returned well-countenanced to 
lament the brother's fate, and patiently endured to wait the lighting of 
his crown upon upon a more designing head. Nor was he left so long ; 
Theodric took his noble son's fate with such heart, that aged as he was, 
and now bowed down by grief, he was too soon cut off from life, and 
but nine month after Kufinas perished, Fabius usurped the throne, 
reigning since throughout the kingdom. 

Lentulus : Thou sayest he perished. 

Cornelius : So at the time the saying, and had Fabius searching 
inquiry set afoot — as he made bold he would - the truth had come to 
light. But like the heartless knave he showed himself throughout, his 
soul grew craven while he went, guilt fearing him to shun the scene 
where precious blood was shed, whose every drop could cry against 
him, he dared no farther than was meet, and soon tired chasing con- 
science for the lighter task of pursueing blessing which waited on him, 
and Theodric's own lips ministered him the people's curse. 

Lentulus : Troth, Cornelius, thy pertenacity doth prick sore. But 
dost think, this fiction turneth deaf ears quick ? 

Cornelius . What magic dreamst. Is't possible the longer grown 
the transforming quick ? -Marry thou cropst close to understanding. 

Lentulus : Mock thyself if thou would'st feed on mockery. Thou 
knowest not me. 

Cornelius : Sweet cousin, know thyself Thy will's at enmity — thy 
nature dissemble to better sense. 

Lentulus : Is not Fabius King ? 

Cornelius : I grant, but that thou knowest by what contamination, I 
charge thee with the falsehood. 

Lentulus : Theodric's death, and Rufinas' mission from which he 
ne'er returned alive, combine succession firm on Fabius notwithstand- 
ing. 

Cornelius : If thou wouldst feast on Kings, behold the true, majestic 
every stride. The earth trembles at his touch. This is a King. 
Hark ! the thunder peal split the battle cry. 

Rufinas : ( Without.) On, victory ! Glorious victory, on ! (Enters with 
armed folloivers.) Ha ! ruleth this fair land a King ? 

Cornelius : Hail ! War ; and Rufinas, Theodric's noble son and 
master of our hearts, sits royal on the throne ! 

Rufinas: Live heart, thou art of the just. 

Lentulus : Treason ! Treason ! What, ho there ! Treason ! 

Cornelius : Back, Goths, and thou, my cousin, silence. What wouldst 
Rufinas ? Slay thy nephew, thy sister's son ? 

Rufinas : What ! Lentulus ; and thou, Cornelius ? Hold, friends, 
put up your swords. Here is peace. 

Cornelius : Marry, uncle, thy followers make good cause, hadst none 
erst. 



Rufinas. 



Rufinas : Loyal men, most loyal, nor braver never breathed. But, 
come, fair nephew, kindred Lentulus, let's be reconciled. 

Lentulus : Never T ! And thou friendship's self ? Let thy vassals 
pin me to their swords, so much I scorn thee. 

Rufinas : Command thy bitterness. I have mercy too, and com- 
mend thee to thy mother's love. 

Cornelius : Fie, cousin. 

Lentulus : Methinks Cornelius speaks ? Traitor ! I know thee 
not. But hold, thou art the King-maker ; lend an ear ; this one rest- 
ing wearied of strife, may marvel at the romance, mayhap dream thy 
dream of crown-wearing. 

Rufinas : Stripling, thy words are bawd that I should spare thee 
some to bandy with. 

Cornelius : Warn thee, now forbear. 

Rufinas : Peace, nephew. Youth is the shield of indiscretion, and 
heartstrings ally such together which were deemed folly else. It 
giveth him much joy to be at harmless play, though which were rueful 
were his mother's shrine not fixed in his defence between us. 

Cornelius : Cousin, have done. This is thy uncle with the other 
vouched for. So peace. 

Lentulus : Away, pretense. I venerate the more, the more beset. 
Hail, King Fabius ! 

Rufinas : By the gods ! and he is deep in villainy as night is deep 
in darkness. His heart fills with it against his brother, a royal 
father's most royal son. I owe him much. O ! for the reckoning. 
The wily fox laid ambush for us with such art, we must blunder on 
doom by his contrivance. Bat our foresight foiled him and of them 
all who were lent to his base hire one escaped, and being full of their 
own fates made shift that Rufinas too, perished. 

Lentulus : Hath it taken thee these years seeking compass to thy 
native land, if such it be? 

Rufinas : Thou sayest well. No sooner were we rid of one than 
new danger thick beset the way. Strangers in a hostile country, sur- 
rounded by fierce tribes, o'erpowering numbers seized on's, and ten 
years held us captive their menial slaves. {Shouts.) Hark? the 
tuneful cantation. Prick me, pleasure, thou givest too sweet music as 
sprung from battlement of war and melody of arms. {Shouts.) O ! 
need ye, can ye wonder at my joy after I have been so long a mourner ? 
{Shouts.) Soft ! Soft ! here, thy clamour drowns me with the strong 
emotion. {Enter Salvator humedly.) 

Salvator : Alack ! Alack ! My Lord ! the fight's against us. All's 
lost. 

Rufinas : Dog ! art mad? As soon this moving globe pause sudden, 
as the smiling gods frown. Ho ! to rescue. Rufinas and vengeance ! 
Now and forever! Forward! 



Rufinas. 



All followers : Vengeance ! Vengeance ! {^Exii all.) 

Lentulus : Vengeance ! Vengeance ! The fortune's turned. On, 
victory ! On ! (Exit.) 

Cornelius : O ! fool, the folly of it. What wouldst thou, Goth ? 

Salvator : Deliver up my sword. 

Cornelius : I fancy thy vocation. 

Salvator : Lord, why so hazardous a thing ? 

Cornelius : That I might pine no longer, venturing boldly in my 
idol sphere ; which would be charm indeed, as 'tis imaginary live be- 
fore my vision. Sheathe the blade. 

Salvator : I grovel in the dust before nobility such. 

Cornelius : Attend me. Greet thy master with my daring and de- 
liver me this parchment faithful in the valiant Knight's own hands. 

Salvator : Ay, my lord. 

Cornelius : Skirt the fight, rather than hazard thy charge in thick 
of it. 

Salvator : My lord, I am commanded. — I obey. (Exit Shouts.) 

Cornelius : Confusion. — More throes warning the fatal turn. The 
death rattle is in the nation's throat, dread anticipates her nearing 
end. Saints now comfort us, we are a pityful beholding. Dissolve 
ye. Oh ! Stars, your planets into tears, ope' wide the flood. (Enter 
Fabius and m^med followers.) What sway? 

Fabius : Good fortune basking our just contention, smiles 'pon 
laurels nobly rescued our crown. The trait'rous Goth defenceless in 
our might, must sue quarter ere slanting sun rests rayless on the 
night ; Swift wings bear tidings of our warfare, far and wide, and 
with the last beam of his light, drowned in advancing darkness, will in 
the realm all loyal subjects by the happy issue loyally abide. 

Cornelius : Soar to the winds, spirit of barbaric strife. Oh ! Em- 
brace tenderly, rich fatted soil, the lifeless images of frail mortal things 
slain in thy lap, made scene of carnage ; Up ! Hawk of war, that, 
with thy royal talon's hack'st at prey, thy peer ! — But thou. Oh ! 
Virtuous instrument, chaste defender ! Back to thy humble birth to 
kiss the vestment of thy weeping mother with the pure touch of unpol- 
luted lips. 

Fabius : A worthy token of thy worthy love of peace. Take up 
the sword, Cornelius, arise, thou art in nature as in speech most noble, 
as in nature and in speech, most eloquent. 

Cornelius : Great King ! 

Fabius : It is an exceeding good lad. 

Cornelius : (Steps in Rufinas print) Hear me, Oh ! King. Here in 
thy royal domain, I stamp upon thy right, this seal. My life at thy 
command, I humbly kneel. Allegiance to thy cause, so help me 
Qod, I swear ! Take up the sword, which now for justice sake and thee. 



S Riofiiias. 



I ever wear. (Rises) Uncle, I have an eye-ache scanning distance. — 
I must away home. Kejoice for me to-night, {Exit.) 

Fabius : I fear an ill bound mind persuades thee, nephew. Well, be 
it so. We'll stop thee presently. (Alarm, enter Le^dulus and armed 
followers, dragging Lueullus prisoner hetiveeyi them.) Kow Lentulus, 
what news yet ? 

Lentulus : The good my Lord. Frowned on and desolate in waste 
lies the field outstretched, praying silent the gathering night's descent. 
There was fierce stubborn war ; madmen's desperation all around, 
which we prest shield to shield, and lastly overcome with fortune 
that those that were not driven bold into the sea, upturn faces on a 
crimson plain. 

Fabius : Thy charge 'scaped ? 

Lentulus : Nay, he was bravest of them, and rash lay bare to strat- 
egy. Fierce waged our blows around him, bold returned and doubly 
dealt, and nearer we advanced ; deadly came his daring deep into our 
midst ; 'twas marvelous ; like dazzling comet shot from out a glittering 
firmament, took he the bloody trail through columns of our swift de- 
spatch, and not until by true account twice eight souls yielded in 
mercy, was stroke of like success to stretch him at our own. 

Fabius : What mercy held you in return ? 

Lentulus : None harbored with us. 

Fabius: Speak out. 

Lentulus : His most wondrous courage lost our admiration in his 
death. 

Fabius : What says the youth ? Was it boast to parry swords 
points in the manner spoke that thy rebuke fell as with weight of an 
avenging god ? How, stripling ? Off with him ! Thrust him in the 
darkest dungeon at Frosino, there to await further parley. {Exit sol- 
diers driving Lueullus before.) A word more Lentulus. Is the 
Gothic leader slain ? 

Lentulus : Aye, drowned. I saw waters surface o-pe' under him, 
join upon him, ruffle over him. 

Fabius : I would be satisfied. Art not deceived ? 

Lentulus : Mine eyes ne'er scoped better than to behold him vanish 
down and out of sight. 

Fabius : Then rest warrior in thy heaving tomb. Away, sweet 
nephew, unto Terrentius Varro, and charge him by the King's com- 
mand, spare not the silent (3!oth. I'll back to thee, fair Naples, 
rescued state, to seek again'thy shelter, and — bewail my brother's fate. 
{Exit with Lentulus in different directions.) 



Rufinas. 



Scene IL—A Wild Mountainous Region. Dark Night by 

INTERVALS OF ThUNDER AND LiGHTNING. FOLLOWERS OF KUFINAS 

Discovered Clambering up Mountain to Plateau Center 

Stage, Kufinas bringing up rear, Halts on Ragged 

Edge, Panting, looking towards the City seen in 

Distance. 

Rufiaas : A curse upon thy lies, foul flattery, Plope ! Competition 
for thy fairer stead is stifled ; justice wrested from thy maimed 
arms ; Bear unto the heavens, ye angr}^ striding elements, the conster- 
nation spread this day upon a fettered world ; arouse thy mighty 
charge, fierce battling marvel, upheave the dull supense ; unloose thy 
fiery bonds chafing thunderbolt, seat retributive power on towering 
mountain crests that circle round a throbbing empire, which visit 
with destruction, leveling unto parching plain. -O! was ever in the 
memory of ages wrong like unto this : — was ever justice cause so fickle 
overcome ? Alas : my soul : that art now weary mourning, that thou 
sparest thyself to look on this, lingering out the melancholy. Dry up, 
boisterous spring of life ! thy throbbing drives my heavy laden woe 
o'er troubled sea. — {Salvator labors up mountain and sinks overcome 
by ivoimds at Rufinas' feet.) — Last of all that glorious array of men, bow 
into humbleness, shattered power. O ! pride : where is thy lofty 
carriage, grandeur, where thy haughty altitude ? — 
• Salvator : Yon within the city stronghold, where victory's King 
holds festive cabal with his vassals. 

Rufinas : Thou liest. Knave. Thou : all Naples is the King ! All 
are fitter than the gorging swine whose stench hath caused contagions 
spread among healthful subjects. What hast ? 

Salvator : The parchment from an uncrowned King, who of yon 
Naples all, were choice of heads to dignify. 

Rufinas : — [Reads by lightning) Ha! Sprouting sap that ripest from 
my sisters womb. Magnet star set in vast Erebus ; midnight 
sun, that with bright ray doth flood on blinded a burst of 
regal light * "'Abide thy time" ! Take up the cry ye battle-gifted 
powers; Ye gods, command the heavens to put on festive hue; 
let there be shining day which with majestic light, shall fire 
hearts and shower better cheer upon despondent mankind. Hark ye, 
fellow suflTerers ! Our day will come ; we have friends among the 
enemy, staunch friends, who caution only to abide the time. Who 
among ye would withhold sanction to the strong appeal ; who is he 
that would stay his voice, not uplifting it in glad response ? Whoe'er 
he be, that would not live, let him say die, and die at once by his own 
hand, which is traitor's striking the blow at coward. 

Salvator : There is not a voice but will be raised in stout denial. 
Say on ! All are as one man, ready to obey. 



10 . Rujinas. 



All: Aye! 

Rufinas : Let each man render me an oath. Are all prepared and 
will ye swear allegience to me nowforward ? 

All : We will. 

Rufinas : Then listen — Driven from men's sight, the mountain fast- 
ness is- become our only refuge. We must seek out some hidden caves 
for shelter, and from this day, ye shall be brethren united in pursuit 
of vengeance. To Naples we are dead, but Naples shall toil on until 
by stealthy growth, our power reaeheth to the very center of her ma- 
lady. 

Salvator : The royalstye wots cleansing ill. But let her suffer. 

Rufinas: Yea, she suffereth but doth not live. Breathe on ! Sickly 
State. Toil on ! Tyrant tremble ! Hath everyone held brief communion, 
and are ye ready ? 

All : We are. 

Rufinas : {Kneels as do others) Follow me, each in his spirit. I — 

All: —Swear! 

Rufinas: — By this, my sword, allegiance the virgin justice! 
Mine eye shall ever guard tby sorrowing repose in hope. My heart 
shall ever hold thee sacredly above bribery of men. My hand shall 
ever shield thy virtue with eager watchfulness ; but, thou shallst never 
wake till thy fairness hath undone the spell, which banished thee to 
sleep. I — 

All : —Swear ! 

Rufinas : — My sword shall be unsheathed, until the cause — which 
in this day's mishap suffered— is restored to rightful issue ; My arm 
directed against men, shall strike in deadly earnest, dealing blow for 
blow, until justice is done, as by man unto man ; and rest my body 
shall not know, until the State is rescued out of toil, her people freed 
once more, and their oppression meted out the usurp ; My shield shall 
firmly stand against affliction dealt by wrong; my hand shall be up- 
lifted and threaten life, until Naples, shaken ofl numbness and risen 
in demand for right, hath worsted unlawful seizure of "power; My 
vigilance shall seek the haunts of evil men, and not until their doing 
hath been justly punished, shall my engeruess abate nor my warfare 
cease. To this, with all my heart and by my soul, I — 

All : —Swear ? 

Rufinas : {Eises.) Forth ! serpent, crawl before their beastly sight, 
and may thy veuomn cause the tyrant plight. Unfurl thy coils, glide 
in bosom of the land, that patriotic heart-blood yet unfanned, take 
fire at thee and so light the way, which guides men o'er their woes 
away. ( Curtain.) 



{End of Act 1.) 



Rufijias. 11 



ACT 2. 

Scene I. — The Prison Confines at Frosino. Keeper's Lodge 

AT Rear. 

(Enter Cornelius and Varro.) 

Varro : How is it come about, my Liege now wills in this thing, 
which, but yesterday, he refused absolute ? 

Cornelius : Even Kings may alter in their minds. Yesterday en- 
treaty was vain — the royal ear disdaining us — yet to-day, though 
with as little expectation put, our pleadings met the kindlier condition. 

Varro : Three poor day's reprieve. 

Cornelius : E'en an hour had been merciful, when a single day 
meant begging for ; but three ? verily it is a sovereign's gift ! 

Varro: I would the pardon was absolute — the favor were not 
wasted on so fine a youth. 

Cornelius : Nor would it. Still the same master directed more 
stern at start. I marvel the prisoner 'scaped perishing, didst carry 
out the mandate perfect. 

Varro : Where Kings command, obedience is by the book. 

Cornelius : Go to. Thou'dst execute poor quarter, by my faith ! 
were thine the power, which, luckily for the victim, thou hast not. 

Varro : Is it wonder, Cornelius is called the quarreller ? Ready, and 
ever ready. 

Cornelius : To quarrel with such as thou, is to waste from the rich 
man's table. Go to ! * 

Varro : Not I. If these walls had ears reaching within the capital, 
I could not stop the quarrelling, 
Cornelius : What then ? 

Varro : Fabius tangled the poor keeper with displeasure round and 
round. 

Cornelius: Look on keeper— it follows thus: Rob man of liberty, 
place him in bounds forcing from him freedom of will ; Shut him out 
of the world — of everything his wont praised, that he looked on as the 
grandest prize in being ; deprive him, I say, of all that bent of in- 
clination God gave him to be free, and manliness needs keepeth sacred 
as the godhood's holy gift to man, and is there greater degradation to 
heap upon his dignity than prison confines heap ? 

Varro : What is the dignity of man to Kings ? 

Cornelius : And jailors ? Thou fitst the office — 

Varro : Hear me, Cornelius. 

Cornelius : Thou art as chosen for thy choice vocation. 

Varro : Thou hast been the youth, I fear, nature intended should 
be just, for thou outstripst her, and art grown reckless of her curb 
upon thy modesty already. 



12 Riifinas. 



Cornelius : Teach her in thy admirable business. 

Varro : War with wrath — it yields to thee. The hasty warrior 
never bides opportunity. 

Cornelius : Charity is merry when men acquit themselves as well as 
thou. 

Varro: Ho! Goth! 

Cornelius : Ho ! dungeon — let him forth. 

Varro : And it were my power to spirit him in thee, perchance he 
were as free a boaster. 

Cornelius : Soothe him in his dark hole. He'll see thee in the 
black, disguised one. 

Varro : For answer, learn to be taught. Observe who comes ! 

Cornelius • Is it the Goth ? Good, Varro, I owe thee much. For- 
give me. Verily, thou hast spoilt him with kindness. {Enter Lucul- 
liis.) Goth ! My King hath ruled against the Council's haste. He 
gives thee three days living before death. 

LucuUus : Living ! that were pardon without limit. I thank the 
Council for the quick decision. To-day I am prepared, which, three 
days hence I am not. Life will be endeared again and death comes 
violent. The Council was satisfied to take me as I am, but the 
tyrant, whose pity hounds, is not yet ; his bent is torture and adds 
these days to suffering - not living. ( Varro retreats.) 

Cornelius : Many the lives prolonged thus, drew out exceeding the 
limit, and set its own according to length und natural period. 

Lucullus : Farewell the hope behind these frowning walls. 

(yornelius : But beyond them. What lies from yonder gate ? 

Lucullus : A village. 

Cornelius : Still beyond ? 

Lucullus : Mountains a-plenty. 

Cornelius : What, and thou stoodst on the summit ? 

Lucullus : Why, that were— but hush ! 

Cornelius : Take the brief grace into thy counsel. Liberty nears 
without, waiting thee at thy behest. 
Lucullus : Wouldst tempt me ? 
Cornelius : Rufinas bade thee live — 
Lucullus : Fiction ! Fiction ! Ho, keeper — 

Cornelius : Soft. He is alive and many followers with him hide at 
Terracina. 

Lucullus : A mad-man's tale. Alive, didst say ? 

Cornelius : Aye, and would rescue thee. 

Lucullus : Dost hear him, Jove ? Don splendor ! Rejoice ! Thou 
saidst alive, did'st not ? What more need patriotic spirit glory in ? 
The Diety strides with the lives of humble men apace, while satyr's 
slaves, grown nimble in lascivious desires, make merry at Sylvan 



Riifinas. 13 



feast, and by their shouts guide vengeance onward, bound to come 
upon the bauching rioters with mighty force. Awake ! sleeping god- 
dess, the tyrant sitteth wanton at thy wedding feast ! Lead forth the 
unspoilt groom from out the fairy bower, for all the host await to 
greet him King ! — 

Cornelius : Lover of the groom's aggrievance thy too pleasing man- 
ner to the cause, excites a dangerous echo within hearing of these 
startled walls. The crafty tyrant portions thee the breathing grace. 
Fall not from it the same moment. 

Lucullus : O, life ! ne'er didst course with rapture through me all 
as now. 

Cornelius : The rescue is to be this very day, The guards without 
are yet in ignorance the respite is granted. At sunset the arrival of 
fresh soldiery with the executioner, is expected, taking thee in charge. 
The executioner is Rufinas himself, who, in the guise of a royal cap- 
tain, will straight demand thy person at the King's bidding. The 
guards, thinking he is come to execute the verdict, withdraw to 
Naples, happy in ignorance of this doing, and unless they meet the ac- 
tual relief, the trick will not be known until they reach the city. But 
let them march an army in pursuit, once safe beyond the tyrant's 
reach, the mountain vastness routs the fruitful issue of their storming, 
however bold and daring, to get at thee again. 

Lucullus : Tremble in power, base King, revenge breeds evil for 
thee. 

Cornelius : Now if thou wouldst live, prepare to die. Thou must 
readily concieve to play the martyr well, adds greatly to the keeper's 
confidence, that the State is earnest for thy speedy death. 

Lucullus : My steel is proof against emergency, and came it fast, be- 
setting and disporting all around me. 

Cornelius : So let us part. 

Lucullus : Not thus. 

Cornelius : What further ? 

Lucullus : A token, friend, remembrancer to look at, holding to my 
heart forever and ever. 

Cornelius : My friendship's thine already. Take my name Cor- 
nelius, the King's own nephew — and my hand on't, I tell thee true. 

Lucullus, Thou art a noble youth, my heart is full of to overflow- 
ing. Farewell ! ^ {Exit Cornelius.) Cornelius : Dear friend ! Zealous 

at my new birth into life. Speech is at an ebb thinking of thee 

only thee. 

Rosetta : ( Within keeper's lodge, sings.) 

"Virgin, at thy holy shrine. 
Oh ! receive my heart as thine, 
Lead me ever as one blind. 
Trust m.e, ever pure in mind, 
Guide my life forevermore. 
Safe unto the heavenly shore." 



1^ Rufinas. 



Lucullus : Rosetta at evening devotion. 
Rosetta : {Sings) "O ! sweet angel hover near, 

Hold me to thee ever dear, 

Cleanse me in thy purity. 

Unto all eternity. 

Humbly at thy feet I kneel, 

Let me, ah ! thy mercy feel." 
LucuUus : Bleed no more, pure heart, thy piety seeks mercy not in 
vain. 

Rosetta : (Sings) "O ! mute image, thee, I pray. 
Lead me, guide me, every day, 
I am sinful, oh ! and weak. 
Selfishly of thee I seek. 
Humbly at thy shrine I bow, 
O ! protect me, pardon now." 
Lucullus : Amen ! Arise, chaste maid, plead no more, the virgin 
weepeth at thy prayer —thou art surely pardoned. 

Rosetta : ( 0/3ens window.) Calm 'neath gathering night's outspread, 
sinks day to silent rest ; her chase wraps earth in peace ; gently falls 
the shroud o'er the world, panting nature longing for her dewy couch, 
cools at the touch to sleep. Sleep well. 
Lucullus : Rosetta ! 

Rosetta : Who speaks ~ thou Lucullus ? 
Lucullus : AYhy art thou sad ? 

Rosetta : Lucullus mourn. A dimness o'er-creeps the sunlit sky, 
the last ray wavers, dies, and with it thou. 

Lucullus : Move, searching eye of day, film dulls thy scorching 
blaze, soon the mountain lid will close upon thee, too ; wake not again 
till nature thrills with joy that thou art risen living. Smile, maiden ! 
look from yon ruddy disc at me, whisper, yea, the day, not thou, dieth. 
Why dost weep ? 

Rosetta : For thee, alas ! poor youth. 

Lucullus : Is the parting loth to thee ? 

Rosetta : O ! I weep the more. 

Lucullus : Not a tear further, for I do love thee well. 

Rosetta : Yet thou'dst grieve me at thy eagerness to beckon on 
death. 

Lucullus : Rosetta, ah ! dost love me ? 

Rosetta : O ! question not ! were mine councillor thou hadst been 
championed the noblest heart. Ah, thou hast set aside sweet life to 
glory in mournful death. 

Lucullus : Even as thou lovest me, for one hour - a single little hour 
— have hope. 'Tis a brief request, brief as the span separating life 
from doom ; brief too, as despairing moment, when lingering by a 
thread, the change comes for the better. 



Rujlnas. ^ 



Rosetta : I pray for thee, ioved one. ! grant the hour for better 
nigh, I do entreat. 

Luculhis : O ! were love such tender, tearful, mainspring alway. 
'Twere briraiug childhood, dream forever and forever. Farewell! the 
time warns parting. Farewell! (Commotion ivithout) 
Rosetta : Forever and forever. 

Lucullus: Still tears, Rosetta? Be merry! Cupid warming this 
heart and thine, conquers the bitter end. (Loud hnochng.) 
Rosetta : Alas ! Alas ! I wish thee well. (Enter Varro.) 
Rufinas: (Without.) Ho! within! 
Varro : Who calls there ? 

Rufinas: Friends to thee. By my sovereign's will, I command thee, 
open. 

Varro : 'Tis well. (Unbars.) Enter friends! (Enter Rufinas dis- 
guised as executioner, Salvator, Pietro and others of the band.) 
Rufinas : Welcome ! Art thou Terrentius Varro, the keeper ? 
Varro : Very humble. What would you by the sovoreign's procla- 
mation? 

Rufinas: Demand the Goth ~ now under sentence -for execution. 
Varro : I protest against this levy, which, against his Majesty's late 
action, forbears the face of truth. 

Rufinas : His Majesty hath tired of mercy and by these letters re- 
moves the three days' graced the prisoner. (Gives tvarrant) 

Varro : It is the King's whim. Yon is the twice condemned ; lead 
forth. I surrender him. 
Rufinas : Ho, prisoner ! 
Lucullus : Say on. 

Rufinas: His Majesty's reprieve is countermanded, under his own 
hand, to instant punishment. The hour is come that thou must die. 
Lucullus : How ! Keeper ? 

Varro : 'Tis true. The document prescribes the execution. 
Lucullus: Never was true more damnably seduced. Am I the 
King's plaything— a thing without sensation -to play on in turns as 
he directs? An hour since to die was to relieve, now I am helpless^ 
my every vein thronging life. Then my resignation had. approachea 
my fate, now my will is stubborn, my heart, soul, filled with ecstacy to 
live, and dreads tlie grim demands of death. Look on me -the spec- 
tacle—a soldier— knight— courage undoubted, trembling, ateared to 
die. 

Rufinas : Hold ! it is enough. 

Lucullus : The Council's gravest charge was, I upheld my leader's 
cause. My warfare was but fair—but just! Would yours was also 
—cowards ! A soldier's trial is by soldiers, not by such as yourselves 
jnake up, a dog would scorn to sit by. 



16 Rufinas. 



Eufinas : Give peace, I say ! 

Lucullus : My tongue durst wag awhile longer, louder than mut- 
terings. Who is this King, doing as the universe is his belonging ? 
Upstart ! Guilty wretch ! Kobbed a brother of right and bartered 
heaven for his crown. The habits menial, vaunting slave of lust and 
murder, a sickening boil, an evil scurvy, which, weaned of malicious 
ferment was spat to earth breeding corruption. 

Kufinas : Lay hand on him ! Abuse, slapped bold in face of 
crushing power, deserves thee to be now choked now revived, again 
and again, till death hunts thee, spirit lowly fallen down, through 
widest portal hell knows. 

Lucullus : Ha ! do thy master thus, lest later in his lecherous career, 
infernal regions ablaze outflaming every other yet stirred up for dev- 
ilish men, glaring of misdeeds and crimes. Ha ! Fiends hold gleeful 
saturnalia waiting outraged heaven's summons, setting on fury-laden 
o'er the world, that the blackest soul therein, seized of the devils, 
sweep damned therefrom to exile in a hell of hells. 

Kufinas : By the imps, now seize him. 

Lucullus: Aye, lick your maws, brave curs — grind your hungry 
gums, if you have not the tyrant's teeth to bite. Fall to, beasts — 
wolves, sate to bursting on mortal littleness. I have a soul above de- 
vouring. (^They rush at him.) 

Eufinas : Away with him. The utmost cruelty your natures com- 
mand — at him, nor desist from your buffets till the clog writhe yelping, 
a humbled wretch ; gasping mercy last. Devast him to the soul he 
prides. Away to work ! {Exit after others who bustle IaicuUus of.) 

Varro : Hence, minions of a disgraced law, which suffer inoffenders 
to be punished — plague and violence going free. Verily, youth, the 
world murders thee. May the next do thee justice. (Bars gates and 
exit.) 

Rosetta : ( Within, si7igs.) 

"God of mercy, hear my prayer, 
O ! betake him to Thy care ; 
Let him seek Thee not in vain, 
Nor his pleadings Thou disdain ; 
Save him, lead him out of plight. 
Great is Thy eternal might." 

Scene H. — Throne Room in the Palace. Fabius, Cornelius, 

Lentulus, Dukes of Prossedi, Tollo and other Grandees 

OF THE Court Assembling just entered. 

Fabius: I thank your wisdom, gentle friends, which so unbent my 
will and led me to discover in myself a juster man than Naples 
credits. Your wise discretion is earnest, and admirable about it to 



Rufinas. 17 



consider and define grave concerns with duest judgment, and I am 
honestly confirmed this abler craft hath muchly strengthened our al- 
ready firm demand upon the people's love. 

Lentulus : Then mercy is decided on ? 

Fabius : Decided and administered both. 

Lentulus . To what purpose ? —to make a lesser instrument of your 
Majesty's edict dealing with his death? I can see no justice involved 
where question — as the present — is one of life or death, a live 
traitor or a dead o,ne ; in other words, a toleration or obliteration of 
treason's late design, to best your Majesty of the nation's throne. 

Cornelius : Our action stands unprejudiced, pledging us the na- 
tion's good will, which thy device would forfeit. Here are those all 
who vie with thee toward the general good, but holding adverse views 
on matters absolving the people's welfare — selfishly. Cruelty and 
charity -brother and brother, unite. 

Lentulus : Contemptible philosophy. I would scorn to intercede 
between traitor and punishment. But thou art dead to shame, treach- 
ery and deception serving thee well enough at court. 

Cornelius : My fellow councillors, I appeal against his vile flow, 
which heaps on you, too. 

Prossedi : I for one spoke freely in the popular petition. 

Tollo : And I. 

Other Grandees : And I. 

Lentulus : Why was not I consulted also ? Or is my reasoning 
reckless, my judgment never sound to weigh your measures? Answer 
me ! Has not my voice been ever lifted in demand of faithful methods, 
my interest in the crown's weal ever ready as your own ? I question thee, 
my uncle ; find me out ; never in trickery, which is the countenance of 
my fawning cousin, — but, if in anything done now or ever, so sure as 
to the Goth, yon rich tint now upon the western sky proclaimed the 
wane of light and soul, would I surrender that thou command his exe- 
cution fulfilled on me. 

Fabius ; What answer have we for this war of words — questions ? 
Not I, nor so my Lords. Mark the silence ; thou standst alone in 
censure. Give me thy hand. I would lean on my staff*. (^Mounts 
throne ) Now all is peaceful in this tardy State, bear our kingly love 
such subjects as in our gracious laws— enacted new— find loyalty to 
return us. 

Guard : ( Without.) You durst not enter to his Majesty. 

Varro : ( Without^ Avaunt ! you durst not stop me. 

Cornelius : List to his brags. Dost hear him uncle —durst not ! 

Fabius: Ho, without! Advance thou captious obtruder. 

Varro : (^Rushes in. Kneels.) Pardon ! Sire, pardon ! 

Fabius : What rashness sends thee hence, keeper ? Speak, 



18 Rivfinas. 



Varro : I am as one defenceless in innocence, who craves belief of 
doubters staring at him, crying his guilt as with a single voice. Re- 
ceive my fate. The prisoner is escaped. 

All: Escaped? 

Varro : Cornelius brought tidings of the Council's late deliberation 
and that your Majesty acquiesced in the mercy pledged ; When, at the 
first appointed hour, soldiery, alleging upon warrant to fulfill the 
which, arrived, submitting their demand imperative. Spite of my 
protest I had to yield, as this, my Lords, seemed, high authority, I 
dared not resist. (Displaying document.) 

Cornelius : Under his Majesty's own hand. (Passes it.) 

Prossedi : His Majesty has broken faith with us. 

Fabius : 'Tis false ! I made no such erratic use of power. (Snatches 
j)aper.~) My Lords ! this is no valid instrument. In the very face of 
seeming 'tis void, an execrable forgery. Ha ! knave, the plan's in 
part with thine to spoil the execution of victim. 

Varro : Miserable perversion. Hear me out ! 

Fabius : Why this trembling fear ? An honest man would for- 
ward innocence with calm, whereas thou, against the truthful incident 
forbearance wretchedly putst on, to mask the guilt behind. I'll par- 
don thee ! In wickedness thou shallst have mercy ready waiting, for 
ere the falling shades displace the feeble gloaming, by the gods ! I'll 
give thee wider grace than e'en thy wildest moments dared thee to 
look loving on. Ho, guards ! (Enter guards.) Ofi" with him to exe- 
cution ! 

Lentulus : (Intercepts guards.) Stand where you are ! Would 
you consummate the King a conscience, verily, himself is hopeless and 
fighteth lost against ? Make room for me to stand at the head. 

Varro : (Rises proudly.) An honest man ! True, baseness scruples 
at honor, e'er directs scrutiny with an evil eye on guileless culprit, 
whose offence is mere suspicion, whose honest self aboves the scrupler's 
quality over him. What wonder, then, he finds aught else but these 
imperfect traits in fellow man. An honest man, indeed ! The na- 
tion thought thee one, when, choosing as its head, thou madest promise 
which never troubled thee again and sore distressed the people who 
sufiTered thee as King. A loyal subject knelt here, praying thee to be 
honest, if not just, but thou, who donned the robe of royalty andsatst a 
knave upon the throne, hadst neither countenance for such as I, that 
buy ruin serving thee. In presence of these noblemen, I cry aloud my 
innocense. Let the nation hear Varro's tale. His path of duty ; his 
lonely pilgrimage ; his dying deep, dishonored. I have done. 

Fabius : My guards, your duty is marked out to you. 

Lentulus : Keep separate. Have I no voice in this assembly ? 

Fabius : Forsooth ! Speak freely. 

Lentulus : Follow me. Here's a man we know from early youth as 
honest, upright, and who, for blunders of the royal court, had never 



Rufinas. 19 



fallen in his character. I stake he spake truth when telling how 
things have come to pass. The end of justice is defeated, what of 
that ? Ye wanted it so. Blame not good Varro, but all yourselves, 
for had my Lords insisted on the law being perfect, who had so much 
as thought to strike against the poor man. Was the guilty spared 
that Varro might be punished ? Did Naples spill rich blood that in- 
nocents might suffer ? For shame that Naples should look on her 
rescue purchased wholly by this sacrifice of principle. Hunt the 
enemy, reserving choler for when you come at him, and let the well- 
wisher —perchance the only — depart in peace, as verily he comes to 
warn and not disturb us. 

Prossedi : Well said. He has a good deportment. 

Lentulus : There may be excuse, my Lord uncle, the keeper's in- 
formation waxeth thee beyond reason, but canst deny the thing as laid 
before thee ? 'Tis so, and the readier we are at it thus, the better for 
us. Need I tell thee the remedy lies open elsewhere, whither bad 
men flock, congregating great numbers lately ? Curtail displeasure 
therefore, praying good Varro to be gone, and keep wrath bristling 
against the mountain pests, for there is broadly mapped the field of 
burning action. 

Fabius : His wisdom overtops us. Thine argument is fair, and as 
thou hast been zealous in defence of right, and art besides an admira- 
ble soldier, I place thee in command of men as meet that thou mayst 
set in courageous pursuit of the marauders. 

Lentulus : And Varro ! — Dost give him free ? 

Fabius : But for thee, my gallant nephew, in the heated moment he 
had surely perished. He is free. ( Varro takes Lentulus by the hand, 
much moved ; quickly off.) 

Lentulus : I thank thee, thou wouldst say, yet with thy heart, silence 
is eloquence. O ! justice is not fallen in disgrace altogether. 

Fabius : Art satisfied ? 

Lentulus : Much satisfied. 

Fabius : Dost undertake to lead in the campaign ? 

Lentulus: Fully. 

Fabius : We build on thee, nephew. Begin the war. 

Lentulus : I am ready nSw to do the State service and chafe to rid 
her of these pests that fill the mind with awe, and keep the public 
peace terrified. Come, soldiers ! I will lead ye on ! (Exit at head 
of guards. Curtain. 



(End of Act 2.) 



to Uufinas. 



ACT 3. 

Scene I. -Frosino. Keeper's Lodge Thereat, Without the 
Prison Walls. Dusk. Varro and Kosetta Discovered. 

Varro : Let me understand thee. Thou hast taken fancy to the 
youth ? 

Rosetta : O ! it is more than that. When deprived of freedom his 
melancholy at being such aroused my sympathy and I pitied him. 
When he stood fearlessly in presence of a thirsting court for blood, I 
admired him. Once my admiration won, an inspiration I knew aught 
of before, seized on me to hold him up, and dear to me, ever after 
'twas vain to cast him off so rapt and warm in love was I. 

Varro : So you love him. 'Twere better you did not. 

Rosetta : His suffering excited keenest interest at first. Then his 
misfortune appealed me to a depth my woman's nature could not re- 
sist. Though stranger to touch so sensitive, I felt resistless from very 
ignorance, I could not combat. 

Varro : Would you had. My task were lighter. 

Rosetta : The boaster's hurt is as hurtful that he boasts it, nay every 
hurt moves some compassionate tear to fall in its deliverance ; in like 
manner grievance finds its minister, love its level. 

Varro : Blot his image from thy heart, tear it out. He is a traitor 
alike to love and manhood. 

Rosetta : My father ! O ! woe. 

Varro : Forgive me that I must speak out. Thou art at stake. I 
must cling thee to my bosom. Ah, child, he is not the prosy youth 
he was ; thy idol is shattered. A cutthroat band of men who law- 
lessly infest the country, meddling in affairs concerning honest fellow- 
men, were the instrument setting him at large, for which he numbers 
one of them, and is a trader with them in dark deeds. Aye, reproach 
me with thy tearful gaze for slaying thy hero. 

Rosetta : O ! father. I am undone . 

Varro : Sooth. Can I slander his honor who has none ? 

Rosetta : Lucullus — love — can I save thee ? (Sinks hack, weeping.) 

Varro : I leave thee uneasy. It is not my will, child, but bear out 
thoughtfully, thy good sense is the friend to counsel. (Exit.) 

Lucullus : ( Without, sings.) 

"O ! sweet angel hover near, 
Hold me ever to thee dear. 
Cleanse me in thy purity. 
Unto all eternity. 
Humbly at thy feet I kneel, 
Let me, ah, thy mercy feel." 



Rufinas. " ^1 



(Eaters.) 'Tis she, my angel, the pathos of sorrow drowneth e'en 
the passion of a lover's voice. (Kneels.) Rosetta ! 

Kosetta : Is't true he is the monster ? 

Liicullus : Loved one, have I ventured here in vain ? 

Rosetta : So fair this countenance of nobleness adorned, the foulness 
hid 'neath venerable guise. 

Lucullus : Tell me, Rosetta, dost love me still ? 

Rosetta : Goth ! what silky love wouldst touch unruly ? 

Lucullus : Nay, hopeful, longing. I cherish — I adore thee, on my 
bended knee, I worship thee. 

Rosetta : False friend, begone thy straggling way. Thou hast de- 
served loathing. Hence ! 

Lucullus : Cruel girl, e'en thy heart trembles at this tyranny. To 
part from thee in this ill-humor, were parting light for darkness, verily 
madman's parting, coveting madness to linger mad. Speak to me. 

Rosetta : Depart ! 

Lucullus : Unkind one. 

Rosetta : Didst love me when thy will betrayed thee, linking for- 
tune with dissembling men ? 

Lucullus : I loved thee better than my life. Yea, very hope of 
beauty freedom held, implanted love firmer in my troubled breast. 

Rosetta : I scorn the rankling passion of an evil-doer. 

Lucullus : Life is dear to me, and who for its deliverance would 
not be grateful ? 

Rosetta : Honest men never relinquish honorable to dishonorable 
aspirations. 

Lucullus : My gentle maid, have I wronged thee that thou art 
quarrelsome with me ? 

Rosetta : Hence ! Hence ! I had solace to foster memory of thee 
as above deception, and thou deprivest me e'en of that. 

Lucullus : I know not what design to charge thee with. I joined 
these men, 'tis true ; but are not they my friends whom I owe faithful 
amends for my rescue from the clutch of bondage ? 

Rosetta : I can have naught in common with thee further. Hence ! 

Lucullus : Alas ! Alas ! the vanity of faith in woman. 

Rosetta : Hath the law licensed evil-doing ? 

Lucullus : I stand before thee without blemish on that count, hav- 
ing avoided mixing in raids against my mind's ease, and contact with 
the law; and how the law should find cause against me, concerns me. 
When they went forth to plunder and destroy, I would not join with 
them for thy sake. They pillaged, made havoc where they went, and 
I— the scoffed at— sought retirement, wooing happiness and thee. 
Their proceeding never stirred me to engage with them ; I knew my 



Rufinas. 



peace too well to dare it in their troubles. They spurred me to be- 
come as like themselves, unbridled, gay, licentious. I scorned to slay 
except in honest warfare. Their mammon, filthy with the gore, could 
not encourage me to gain it plentiful by such means. And though 
they would reach out to trap me — striving as I was against them — 
thy image, in my mind, would come between me and my faltering will, 
and fight my battles with virtue men succumb to. I never swerved, 
never ventured bold, but confined myself with thee solely, living for 
my weal and thine. 

Kosetta : O ! LucuUus, that thou art one and intimate with these 
men, testifies against thee. The world takes thee to task for no of- 
fence ; before its eye men pass parade, and be they all disparaging and 
thou alone upright, thou art scorned equally. There is no singling 
out. Thou art levelled with the rest. 

Lucullus : Not I with them. 

Rosetta : O ! I pity thee. 

Lucullus : Yet listen. Let us seek an unpretending hamlet ; some 
lonely spot along the border, and thither fly, where, safe beyond ven- 
geance's reach, we'll quietly wed. 

Rosetta : Never ! 

Lucullus : Be reasonable, Rosetta ; think of ray lot, my love of thee. 

Rosetta : I do. But never the other. 

Lucullus ; Be mine ! 

Rosetta : Never ! Never ! Never ! 

Lucullus : (Seizes her.) Maiden, I love thee madly, desperately. 
I cannot give thee up. Ha ! thou hadst beaming hope that I might 
live to meet thee here again. 'Twas love alway ? Thou'rt mine. 

Rosetta: Father. 

Lucullus : 'Twas thyself put the romance in my brain. Thou hast 
chosen ! Come, be it so. There we'll roam, — there be happy. 

Rosetta: Help! Help! 

Lucullus : There will we love — live ! (Rosetta screams. Eater Rufinas, 
Salvator, Pietro and other robbers.) In God's name, fly ! fly, Rosetta. 
Once they seize thee thou art lost. (Hurries her off.) 

Rufinas : Let her not escape — on your lives ! 

Salvator : Stop her ! 

Lucullus : The first to touch her dies. 

Rufinas : (Seizes Rosetta.) I am the first. Make way, Lucullus. 

Rosetta : O ! save me ! 

Lucullus : I will. (Rushes at Rufinas.) 

Rufinas : (Holds Rosetta before him.) Have at thy boast. 

Lucullus : {Falls on knees.). Release her, I beseech you. She is 
my life, my all ! 



Rufinas. 



Kufinas : It is too late. She can only be ransomed. 

Lucullus : Take my life for hers. 

Rufinas: She is redeemable — but not by lives. {Pais Rosetta 
among robbers, ivho close around her.) 

Lucullus: So let it be blood. {Attacks robbers.) 

Kufinas : One against a host. Ho ! disarm him. {Several robbers 
obey and pinion Lucullus.) 

Lucullus : Cowards ! Fiends ! Hell hounds ! ( Covers face, weep- 
ing convulsively. Enter Varro, distracted.) 

Varro: Rosetta! Unfortunate child. Alack! Alack! I call 
upon you men, — if men you are — release my daughter. Ye hurl de- 
fiance at the gods that war against a woman — a maiden in the flower 
of youth. Chief and masterman of a following in number as in dar- 
ing strong, I demand thee, implore thee for my daughter. Art thou a 
father ; wast ever blessed with dear possession of an only child ? If 
so be, in memory of the sacred tie and by that law which governs 
every nature, I appeal thee to release her. 

Rufinas : I am one of those for whom no law exists, and who are 
obdurate and selfish to the last degree. In exchange for /heavy fines 
she's thine, in default of such her life's the forfeit. 

Varro : If that was all my answer were, so be it. But thy unsteady 
gaze, thy startled manner, hesitating to arrest suspicion lest it detect thee, 
betrays worse, far worse awaits her ere she shall have shared that fate. 

Rufinas : Willst pay her tax ? 

Varro : I am poor — I cannot. 

Rufinas : True, beggary is not a taxpayer ! The tyrant's avarice 
remits but scanty coin among his slaves. Go to ! Marry with a King, 
a very complex of unnatural vindictive perplexities, a yoker of hu- 
manity, a usurer whose usury is publicly acclaimed. Seek him ! Beg 
him ! Touch him ! Perchance he'll suffer thee. Off" with her ! 

Varro : Must I stand by to see my child destroyed before my eyes ; 
be idle when her honor pleads from disgrace ? Not without an effort, 
by my soul ! HoJ citizens — countrymen — friends — I summon you to 
help ! Ho ! soldiers —Naples - help ! Help ! 

Rufinas : Old man, thy cries will serve thee harmful. Tempt me 
not. — * . . 

Varro : Fathers ! Gods ! Oh Help ! Help ! Help ! 

Rufinas : Thy age would yet restrain me, e'en though the fool's de- 
sert is richly thine, {Shouts ivithin.) 

Varro : Fore heaven, friends, make haste, make haste. 

Rufinas : So covet thy reward. Hie below where neither shout, nor 
clamor, nor spirit shall have power to arouse for evermore. (Stabs 
him.) Scatter to the woods, {Shouts nearer.) The tempest gathers 
force— away ! {Exit all.) 



RufiThas. 



Lucullus : Kosetta ! Virtue ! I have striven vain delivering thee. 
Alas, farewell ! 

Varro ; Vilifier ! Wily monster ! decoyer of my virgin child ! how 
have I been deceived in thee? My curse rest ever on thy subtle 
head ; the last frail breath quivering on my lips shall choke with 
hatred of thee. Dog ! I damn thee ! {Dies.) 

Lucullus : Thou'rt better thus. {Enter many villagers.) I am fore- 
shadowed. Woe my fault. (Exit.) 

First Villager : 'Tis he hath slain the keeper. 

Second Villager : And carried ofi' his daughter ! 

Third Villager : The village pride ! 

Fourth Villager : Lay hold of him ! 

Fifth Villager : Seize him ! 

Sixth Villager : Ho ! after him ! (Exit all in tumult.) 

Scene II. — A Mountain Wild. The Outlaws' Haunt. Night. 

RuFiNAs Seated behind lighted taper. 

Rufinas : Which shall it be — which shall I do ? Punishment or 
freedom, or strike or pardon ? Is it not wonderful there are those 
traits in character, dormant seemingly, some trifling circumstance of 
unprovoking nature can rouse at once into unpleasant action ? One 
simple little moment in a life may change tlie destiny of many ; such a 
lever poises now in my mind. My nephew is a lover, who loves not 
happily, but well. He loves a maid who is neither happy, fortunate 
nor well. He loved her yesterday, to-day as Avell, to-morrow better. 
Yesterday I held him dear, to-day he is my hated brother's son ; To- 
morrow ? — I would fain forget as my worst enemy. Ah ! there are 
times when man had rather never been created than thrive iniquitous 
thereafter, a brute in passion ; verily groping in the slough behind a 
veil of fair deception. (Distant carousing.) Bah ! The beast in man 
o'ercomes the godly ; Was it not ever thus ; that passion tears us from 
a grand height down to crawl along as best we may with lowly being, 
beasts in fact, of which ourselves perhaps, seem least possessing in the 
eyes of prejudice, which sees us momentarily as real live men, 
and then eternally as little short of devils. (Louder Carousing.) 
Forgiveness is sweet — revenge sweeter ; Though the world denied 
the right, the fates decree dissension goeth all for naught, and, 
by my title to a crown, my power rules it shall. (Laughter and 
shouts.) 

Robbers : ( Without, sing) 

"Come, fill the goblet, pass it 'round, 

For we will happy be, 
We'll shout and make the woods resound 

With merriment and glee," 



Rufinas. ■ ^ 



Chorus : Heigho ! we'll shout and sing, 
( Enter ") Heigho ! the bumper fling, 
noisily. V We'll pledge ourselves and bravely stand, 
flushed.) ) Come worse yet o'er this weeping land. 

Salvator Ho ! here's the Captain ! 
All: Ho! 

Salvator : "Heigho ! we'll shout and sing — " 
Rufinas : Be silent, fools ! Where's the maid ? 
Salvator : Yonder buckled to a tree. 

Rufinas : Let her be led to us. Her case shall have such disposi- 
tion as we best know. {Exit Salvator.) 

Lucullus : ( Without.) Make way, there, knaves. 
Rufinas: Who comes? 
Pietro : Lucullus. 

Lucullus : ( Without.) Fall back ? (Enters:) Ha ! All assembled ! 
Wherefore is this ? (Seizes Pietro by the throat.) Wretch ! Where is 
she? What harm has come to her ? 

Pietro : Let go— she's here — or I will vote against her. (Enter 
Bosetta, dishevelled.) 

Lucullus : Heavens, the change. A few hours since the daintiest 
flower in the land, now plucked from fulness of youthful bloom, 
blighted, withering. O ! Pitiless, ungodly men, what have ye done ! 
Rosetta : Lucullus ! Alas ! 
Lucullus : (Hides face.) Alas ! Alas ! indeed. 
Rosetta: I should have trusted thee. Thou art so brave— so 
noble. 

Lucullus : Ah, no. Contemptible — cause of all this ill ; I am too 
justly damned to look up at thy praise. Thy father cursed me. 
Rosetta . O, father ! The error. 

Lucullus : Alas ! there is no hope for thee. Thy father's dead. 
Rosetta : O ! Pitiable. (Falls lueeping on his shoulder.) 
Lucullus : Woe ! Woe ! Nay, then, what will ye do with her ? 
Rufinas : What say her friends ? 
Lucullus : Naught, if ye silence me. 
Rufinas : Will they ransom her ? 

Lucullus : Take me for thy slave, press me in servitude to do thy 
every bidding, faithful all my days, but spare her life, save her honor. 
Rufinas : The contract is illegal. Define the law, Lucullus, accord- 
ing to which — as thou well knowest — when such demand in money 
shall have been refused, no mercy is shown. 

Lucullus : Go on. (Glides dagger in Rosetta' s hand.) 

Rufinas : In the first instance, her utt^r abandonment is inevitable. 



^6 Rufinas. 



Lucullus : Quote further. {Kisses Rosetta.) 

Rufinas : Then all unanimous, it shall be so — She diee. 

Lucullus : Are all confederate so far ? 

Robbers : Aye ! 

Lucullus : That she must die ? 

Salvator : Not yet ! 

Lucullus : But after you have satisfied yourselves ? 

Salvator : Then aye. 

Lucullus : Ye all know how near my heart is hers. Ye follow me 
to where my title to possess aboves that of every one of you, and holds 
good. Therefore I shall claim her as a prize belonging to me alone, 
and what can you do but join with me? 

Pietro : Why sure, contest to the last, refusing thee altogether. 

Rufinas: The proceeding is irregular. The terms remaining unful- 
filled, we act unchallenged of further bickerings. The law is positive, 
the law obey — nothing now remain, for us, except enactment of the 
law. Come hither, maid. (Robbers forward.) 

Lucullus : Back, all ! She comes. (Rosetta stabs herself.) 

Rufinas : Withhold her at your peril. 

Lucullus : She's yours. Aught is more than she stakes e'er again . 
Have the corpse. 

Rufinas : What boldness habits thee. Give up the maid. 

Lucullus : I say the corpse ! The corpse ! Poor clay. 

Rufinas : So thou dost not this thing now, by the gods ! I'll force 
her from thee. 

Lucullus : (Holds Rosetta at arm^s length.) Forbear thy touch here. 
She's sped thee, demon. There ! Be stricken with thy accursed deed. 
{Rosetta falls dead.) What thou hast here done, may hell accuse thee. 
{Sinks bebide body.) 

Rufinas : {As robbers fall back, ivhispering.) 'Tis o'er with her. 
She's dead. O, misery ! Retire we. {Exit, folloived by others in 
groups.) 

Lucullus : Rosetta. O ! Dost hold my hand, dost love me still ? 
Alas ! Those lips are sealed, those eyes dimmed before the lusterless 
ascendency. Thy heart is stopped, thy breath stilled — thou'rt lifeless. 
Dangers threaten thee no more, the spirit of immortal being lingers on 
thy brow, the hosts have welcomed thee ; yet are thy fingers clasped in 
pitious energy against thyself; Thy silence grieves me,- thou'rt dead, 
yea, dead, dead to me forever. (Takes dagger from Rosetta.) Here 
is my breast, —within my life ; as thou didst ope' the tender flesh of 
yon poor mortal, bruise me, thy clotted point piercing in my blood 
commingling to make passion glow of hatred, bitterly atoning thee. 
Rufinas — homicide — idolater ! Tremble, thy doom is sealed. Hope held 
thee a diadem, fate shall snatch from ker and thy reach, and thou de- 



Rufinas. ^ 



scend into obscurity. Thee, ray love, my heart keeps sacred. Haunt 
me night and day to fan repugnance, feed my anger, to be at to destroy 
thy slayers. O ! Shall e'er my eagerness abate— my aggression cease . 
So heaven hear me, will I adhere faithful swearing it heart and soul ! 
( Curtain.) 

(End of Acts.) 



ACT 4. 

Scene I.— The Robbers' Lair, Same as Scene II., Act III. 
{Enter Rufinas in deep thought.) 

Robbers: (Without.) A prize ! A prize ! 

Rufinas : Ho, there ! Who nears ? 

Lucullus: (iWithout.) I-LucuUus. (Enters.) 

Rufinas: Well? 

Lucullus : One of the enemy, a venturesome fellow, suspicion on his 
movements, pays penalty with his capture. 

Rufinas : Ha ! Are they come so near ? 

Lucullus : Within an hundred furlongs. 

Rufinas : Who leads them now ? 

Lucullus : One Lentulus. 

Rufinas: Still my inconsolable nephew. The outlook premises an 
early bout. Well, the day begins with first success to our credit. 
(Enter robbers with Artist as prisoner.) 

Robbers : A prize ! A prize 1 

Rufinas : Who is it ? 

Artist : A poor student of a great world's wonders. 

Rufinas : Is it thy vocation ? 

Artist: Painting, sir, aye, on which my livelihood is in the main 
dependent. 

Rufinas : In the main— but spying in the interest of Lentulus and 
the King, for the present. 

Artist : Forbid it. I am only the King's tinsel. 

Rufinas : Methinks his clown. I'll sound thee. Now which among 
colors is the faster ? 

Artist : Nature's wealth of tint is perfection perfected, being inimic, 
but that betwixt unfriendly brothers is the color of cholers verily. 

Rufinas : Ha, good. About thy craft, daubing my semblance out of 
wit and proportion, and have thee warned apply an able witchery to thy 
art. (Artist casts himself down, sketching.) Bestir, lads. The enemy 



28 Rufijias. 



affronts us threat'ning ; lest we are alive with caution the danger copes 
us unprepared. Who guards the southern pass ? 
' Lucullus : Pietro with following a dozen strong. 

Rufinas : The force is meek against attack of even twofold strength. * 
Collect some twenty men additional and hie thither. This is the most 
direct approach, and— in case of such necessity — our safest to escape ; 
that must" be held to the last at all hazard. Thou, Salvator, make 
haste to reinforce the lonely posts outlying along the roads leading 
into Prossedi and Tusculum ; Ludovic is stationed in the thickets over- 
looking Terracina, taking note of any bustle, warlike or otherwise, un- 
duly active ; despatch him several runners instructed as to our un- 
shaken faith in their ability, should such be noticed to bear us fleetest 
tidings. Frosinone and Fondi, with equal watchfulness observed, the 
circuit of country 'round about under eager surveillence, let but every- 
one be at duty in his proper place, nothing can escape us— absolutely 
nothing. Therefore be every man true his vow, and on his post in 
right good earnest —laboring to success, which — now the battle pend- 
ing— is attainable if ye but do all ye can, faithfully. {Exit Lucullus 
with folloivers to R. Salvator with others to L.) 

Artist : Rufinas ! 

Rufinas : Who calls ? Is't thou, my bleeding country ? 

Artist : Say, hast thou a brother in the Kingdom, memory summon- 
eth before thee as hateful reminiscence of the past ? 

Rufinas : AVhich dost single ? There's not a man in Naples now 
but is my brother. 

Artist : One Fabius, prithee, crowned and King, whose reign is ter- 
ror under which a trembling people groan, biding relief from thee, 
whose deeds — wouldst dare them wisely, alone can vanquish. 

Rufinas : There's humor in thee, knave, whate'er the purpose. 

Artist : It wears ill wanting me rid on't. (Hands Rufinas a letter.) 

Rufinas : Cornelius, by my troth, wherein he setteth forth to place 
full credence in thy say, and that thou'rt faithful adherent i' the 
cause. Further doubt is silent — speak. 

Artist : Cordelia lives. ~ 

Rufinas : Stop, till my heart hath welcomed this good news. Cordelia 
— loving wife. O ! Heaven, I thank thee for thy mercy. Who else is 
spared me ? 

Artist : Thy daughter, the divine Rosetta. 

Rufinas : And my son, my pride, my cherished one — Scylla, is he 
well? 

Artist : Verily. Alas ! Dead. 

Rufinas : Has the tyrant dared — 

Artist : Not Fabius, howe'er he may have harmed thee other ways. 

Rufinas : No matter. 1 have great tears for everything. But go on, 
What further of my wife ? 



Ruflnas. 29 



Artist : She is thy firm mate always. At first she would be incon- 
solable, apprehending thy safety, as that of thy dear ones, fearing lest 
the tyrant aim at them as well. But Cornelius, concerning himself in 
earnest, set the task persuading her to energy, so prevailing that, heed- 
ing him as in all things, lastly she appeals'for thee her brother's and 
uncle's friendship, who, as thou knowest, use some power, being men 
of note. The deputies and criers are already issued hence upon their 
mission, and on the way now stir the country to rise and take up arms 
against false Fabius. 

Rufinas : What shall Cornelius attempt ? 

Artist : Cornelius prefaces every action. With the soldiery he is 
popular, and is even now at work weaning their support to thee ; 
Among the city folk he stands high in opinion as one of those rare 
men whose strength is caution. Besides, the people know his secret 
effort is employed in their behalf, they can not afford to be in the bal- 
ance suffering him, whereas their interest demand that he succeed. 

Rufinas : Is not the enemy must'ring in strong numbers also ? 

Artist: Aye, and because of reason, that in point of start the ad- 
vantage is with us, even before we hurry, these proceedings should re- 
main secret until ourselves are ready to present front bold and sinewy 
as his own. 

Rufinas : We are in no risk at present. We need to be watchful, 
but should he advance in a concerted move, he will find our efforts in 
the issue. 

Artist : And now, what will you do with me ? 

Rufinas : Set price on thee, selling to his Majesty, doting fond of thee, 
at the bargain. 

Artist : Verily, if flattery be art, I please him perfect. 

Rufinas : He that loveth, delivereth. Well, write him thy weight is 
gold a thousand pound, an under value, purposing the deposit has- 
tened for thy speedy benefit, as well as his usurp Majesty's pleasure. 
Hast finished ? 

Artist : {Holds it up.) A truce the blunder, here would I parley 
for the King's displeasure, to thy cost and my despair. 

Rufinas : Ha ! But no. Fabius is ignorant, the outlaw is his brother. 
Artist : He suspects thee not the least. 
Rnfinas : Why then send it thus ? 
Artist : My Lord ! My Lord ! 
Rufinas : As it is. I pray thee. 

Artist : The error of it cannot fail to arouse the bitter hatred in the 
King. 

Rufinas : Be it so. There's room for both, keen. 
Artist : Rash manner— evil end. Be careful, Rufinas, the saying 
has seen much in its day. 



so Rufiiias. 



Kufinas : AVords. Words. Superstition. Straightforwardness gains 
the day— to hesitate is to die. The King upon his throne and 
he upon his mount are but brothers, whose flesh is flesh, blood, blood, 
though other mediate none. Why man, the tie's engendered in our 
very pith, and it inspire love or hatred, or it subdue or furiate, by the 
gods ! It is my challenge though it were my death. 

Robbers : ( Without.) A prize ! A prize ! {Enter Pietro and 
others^ 

Rufinas : What have ye siezed on now ? 

Pietro : A wench, a graceful figure possessed of beauty to perfec- 
tion — a body prideful, carriage overawing, haughty, commanding 
even. 

Rufinas : S'death, thy ostentations fit her for a queen. But enough 
now, than of women I have other business to import thee with. Dis- 
patch this missive presently to Naples, and charge that it be changed 
into the King's own hands. But careful whom you warrant, lest with 
a blunderer everything be vested awry. (^Exit Pietro.) 

Artist : What mercy will you show this captive ? 

Rufinas : Her friends ready to exchange good money, payment of 
such penalty, will suffice to insure against harm. If otherwise, she 
suffers ruthlessly ; or in these words, becomes the butt of every man's 
desire. {Enter robbers noisily ivith Scylla in female attire. Lucullus 
observed to L.) 

Artist : Ha ! 

Rufinas : Is she one concerned with thee ? 

Artist : Nay, thee. She is thy daughter. 

Rufinas : Hush. I have an enemy, a staunch, relentless harborer ; 
were he within earshot so the faintest whisper reached him ! — But 
hush, hush. — (Distant shouting.) Look you, whence proceeds this 
signal ? 

Robber : (Stands on knoll.) Most surely in direction of the pass. 

Rufinas : There's danger in shape of numbers pressing it perhaps, 
which, fearing to be taken, our men cry .in distress, begging relief. 
(Shouts.) Hark ! More cries for help. (Bobbers move.) 

Lucullus: (Comes forward.) My friends. 

Rufinas : Hence ! Hence ! 

Lucullus : Not a man move, till I have done ! 

Rufinas : Are we at war with ourselves, and are you men that have 
the common cause at heart ? To your post, or by the oath, I trow, the 
first to disobey me, puts heavy penalty upon him. 

Lucullus : Is not ours the custody of this maiden, and her disposal 
belonging ourselves ? Answer ! 

All : It is. 



Bufinas. . 31 



Rufinas : Begone, I say ! Or the front I make the revolt, will hold 
cheaply himself who stands upon the order. 

Luculkis ; Men, are you slaves, and would you habit thorns before a 
tyrant master ? I say the prize is yours by right of taking, and he 
would hold her from you. She has no friends, no ransom but herself 
and to that self he would lay claim against us. 

Robbers : He shall not. 

Lucullus : Are we with him, or do we differ ? 

All : We differ. 

Rufinas : Hold ! You say she has no friends nor ransom ; state 
your sum and I will make up both ? 

Lucullus : Ten thousand pounds gold ! 

Rufinas : My men, say less, my all, and it is yours. 

Lucullus: Not a pound less. 

Pietro : She seems too cheap at that. 

Rufinas : Dog ! By heaven, if I endure thy insolence, I'll be thy 
namesake. A vaunt ! 

Lucullus : Speak ! Is she doomed ? 

All : Aye. 

Lucullus: Draw every man his choice. {Theij draw.) Ha! My 
lot is fortunate, so the prize mine. 

Rufinas : Hence ! trait'rous blood ! (^Attacks.) 

Lucullus : Be honest, man. There was but once you would be 
honest, when I would not. O ! I am honest now. Come, let's be honest 
everyone. Who says our Captain's not honest — are we not honest 
with him ? 

All: Aye! Aye! 

Lucullus : Well, be we so. Come, here's to honesty and honor as 
we make it. (Takes up Scylla and exit R. Rufinas uill after but is 
stayed by swords of followers.) 

Rufinas : Ho ! Dark abode of tempest, whip out thy fiery tongues 
and damn the dog laying violent hand upon the daughter of a King ! 
Avaunt ! Audacious slaves ! Or, by my wrath, who dares me, dares me to 
the death. (Beats his way out. Re-enter Lucullus with Scylla L.) 

Scylla : Good sirs — 

Lucullus: Friends, attend me. Know I would save this lady. You 
know the fate the other had. Let's be men and interpret our manhood 
as men should by paying tribute of a right doing for a wrong done. 
You all know how I suffered then, and how forgiving I have been, 
and friendly,, winning your loves in many ways. 

Pietro : We know it. 

Lucullus : And you would follow any enterprise in that I led you 
on — would you not ? 



Rufinas. 



All : That we would. 

Lucullus : Well, I see a great good in this maiden going free, where 
the other had a greater good in death. 

Pietro : We'll let her live. 

Lucullus : Good ! A nimble scamp beats in the bush with Rufinas 
hot after him, the while we parley and so conclude. She shall be free, 
making away unharmed— is it not so, we take it ? 

All : It is. 

Lucullus : Fast and true then be we friends to her. I'll be myself 
her conduct. (Noise ivitliout) But hark ! Fly lady ! Sprightly along 
yon hedging thicket bear we speed, the which pursuit is poor behind, 
(Scylla falls on knees and kisses his hand. Exit.) God with you! 
I thank you, my most worthy friends. But keep this action secret. 
Firmly answer. 

All : We will. 

Lucullus: Farewell the while. More thanks hereafter. [Exit 
after Scylla. Enter a scamp driven before Rufinas.) 

Rufinas : Villain, I'll know thy mind, though I make a sieve of thee 
to have it. (Disarms him.) Where's Lucullus ? 

Scamp : To a banquet. 

Rufinas: Thine? 

Scamp : I scented the chase, you chased the scent, and Lucullus — 
well, he bagged the game. 

Rufinas : Say you ? Ha ! For that, take that. (Stabs him.) De- 
scend with better cunning, thy place is not here. 

Scamp : Lucullus and charge being safe, I die content. Valor and 
bliss here — valor and curse there. — You ! You ! 

Rufinas : Perish, dissembler ! Take him away, (Shouting in dis 
tance.) Attend ! Whence is the noise ? 

Pietro: (On lookout.) From Terracina's verge, whither Ludovic 
details the maze. 

Rufinas : His eagerness is 'bated. The post is not upheld. 

Pietro : 'Tis lively now. 

Rufinas : Even so. Who is't they quarrel ? 

Pietro : Jove ! The maid. 

Rufinas: Ha! Now Lucullus joins them. They parley — Ludovic 
detains them. 

Pietro : Not so. They journey onward to the village. 

Rufinas : Have I friend yet? O ! I could in this pain I bear, be 
moved to rage unlimited. I am caged in my wrath beyond endur- 
ance. I'll have revenge — revenge ! (Enter Salvator.) 

Salvator : My Lord ! 



Bufinas. 33 



Kufinas : Begone ! the devil durst not near me, black and full of 
growing as I am. 

Salvator : My Lord ! hear the news. 

Rufinas : No more of that. I warn you, I turn against myself, if I 
know not thy safety is beyond the pale of one as I, removed alike from 
self and kind. So get thee hence ! I grow hostile as I go on. Away 
for the night, all of you ! That I may pitch my solitude among the 
enemy. ( Curtain.) 

(End Act If.. 



ACT 5. 

Scene I.— A Wild Mountainous Region sloping down rear 

Center. Rude Tent R. Rufinas stretched out in 

troubled Sleep. Moaning is heard. 

(Enter Theodric's ghost. Rufinas mutters in sleep. Enter Varro''s 
ghost. Bufinas greatly troubled. Enter Rosetta's ghost) 

Rosetta's ghost : Alas ! Alas ! Alas ! 

Rufinas : (Starts up.) Be at rest, weary souls ! 

Theodric's ghost : Weep, Rufinas ! 

Rosetta's ghost : (Kneels.) Bleed, Rufinas ! 

Varro's ghost : Die, Rufinas ! 

Rufinas: Who calls, and what's amiss? Ha! Do I wake, or are 
these questionable shapes the breed of reason unseated ? 

Rosetta's ghost : Alas ! Alas ! Alas ! My fnther ! 

All ghosts : Oh, alas ! Alas ! Alas ! (Exit.) 

Rufinas : Father ! Avaunt the thought, making believe I have ears 
to hear things of another world that sound so strange and most un- 
natural. Had I been this poor spirit's parent in life, what then can 
now I expect ? Oh ! If truth be in thy wail as seemeth in thyself, 
may hell be mine and chastise, heaven thine and bless forever. (Re- 
enter ghosts.) 

Rosetta's ghost : Oh ! ! ( Vanish.) 

Theodric's ghost : Oh!! (Vanish.) 

Varro's ghost : Oh ! ! ( Vanish.) 

Rufinas : 'Tis terrible. 

Ghosts : (Afar off.) Doomed ! Doomed ! Doomed ! 

Rufinas: Nay, e'en the sighing w^nds converge their whispers 
ominous, and so make this unearthly noise as 'twere the voice of dead 
things 'larmiug the hereafter. 

Cornelius : ( Without.) Rufinas I 



SJj, Rufinas, 



Kufinas : Who comes ? 

Cornelius: Friend! 

Eufinas : How dost thou, friend ? 

Cornelius : (Enters.) Well, well ! Art man or who ! 

Rufinas : Thou spitest me with it all, but say on ! 

Cornelius : So hear and damn thyself. Thy wife — 

Rufinas : Ha ! Cordelia ! 

Cornelius : Listen. When Fabius took the ruling of the land, Cor- 
delia fearing harm, made bold to seek safety, catching at plan, the 
very best of cunning. Thy son she publicly declared as dead, the 
why was, his dying served purpose to be rid on aught tending from 
peace which was to fear the tyrant would batter at. Fatal foresight, 
as you shall hear. Scylla was now hid in his sister's guise — whom she 
gave the trusty Varro's keep, to be his daughter — while himself play- 
ing the part she kept by her for future greeting, only, to find herself 
after years of ingenuity, within a few hours apart, bereft of both. 

Rufinas: Oh ! Woe, alas ! Fatal error. 

Cornelius : Finding her cherished ones, her treasures, over whom 
she watched long and patiently gone, and knowing by rumor they 
were lost to her forever, she came begat of sorriest fancies and went ofi* 
raving mad. 

Rufinas : O, horror upon horror, and horror ! W^hat, mad— raving 
mad, and both my children ruined ? O ! The horror of it all. Come 
here, Cornelius. Look with me into this yawning chasm. If hell you 
see not at bottom, it is the gods protest there be place darkling for 
him whose heaven was these devil-damned <ieeds. Pry thee, see here. 
I that can blaspheme, am holy also. I can kneel, holding this my hand 
on high, lift my voice into the very clouds, offering myself up to burn 
eternal at the stake, every word firebrand, swearing ! Torture as my bed, 
hideous erring the death-watch keeping clear the downward way on 
vengeance to perdition. 

Cornelius : O, horrible ! Forbear, I conjure you. 

Rufinas: (Alarm beloiv.) Anon! Anon! The war's afoot. Away 
my mind that with these eyes I may see stroke on stroke dealt till the 
last. To-day, King Fabius, you and I will settle scores to make us 
die. (Exit. Enter Salvatar.) 

Salvator : My Lord — 

Cornelius : Why put you on fear ? Approach ! 

Salvator : You are neither friend nor foe. But is it true, our great 
one's done ? 

Cornelius: As how— mean you Rufinas? 

Salvator : Aye, sir. It is reported by those native, that little short 
of miracle can save us from annihilation. The plains swarm thick of 
soldiers, ready to do us unto death, every man. 



Rufinas. S5 



Cornelius : My friend, take lease of life to thy companions. Let 
the very showing afeared lend courage reporting them the hosts below 
array to do not against but all with them. 

Salvator : To Rufinas, all hail ! I haste, sir, to give the cheer. 
{Exit?) 

Cornelius : I with neither side abide, So am neutral of the whole 
contention. (Exit) 

Scene II. — A Room in the Palace. 
(^Enter Fahius and Lentulus.) . 

Fabius : 'Tis sorry business, Lentulus, 

Lentulus : I take it the number of them is swelled thick to trap us. 

Fabius : The latest news confirms ten thousand. A mighty host, 
Lentulus. How do we stand ? 

Lentulus : Not bad, if later rumor gives 'him half the force, the 
which we can oppose with full as many, besides those called to arms by 
your proclaim. 

Fabius : We lack generals. We are poor in point of strategy, 
there's the danger. However, make the best of it ; add to our position 
where and all you can. I trust in you absolute, to put down the quel^ 
— at any sacrifice, remember. 

Lentulus : My personal venture shall be first as last to lead to win, 

Fabius : Success attend you. Be brief after the result is known. I 
would not be in doubt long of the outcome. 

Lentulus : It is your wish, my Lord. Salute. (Exit EnUr Tollo.) 

Fabius : How now the news ? 

Tollo : None further save this letter. 

Fabius: (Unfolds Eufinas' likeness.) Scorpions! Is this serpent 
born of hell, bearing charm which makes imperishable those having 
such art about them. Dead, and dead, and yet to life. Ha ! Horrible 
fascination that risest ever and anon to menace me in power. Out, 
counterfeit ! That I want never look upon again, nay, husband thought 
of thee again, if it be in fear. ( Gives letter back) Lie in wait till oc- 
casion calls on thee to do, and thou find that which will match this 
head —off with it ! And bring it before us to be rid on't ; and hark thee, 
if success attend thy valour, the verity thereof shall herald all the 
State's gratitude can summon to pay thee for the service. 

Tollo : My Lord's will commands the deed's commision. I do ! 

Fabius: About it then. (Exit Tollo with likeness.) Myself must 
hence help guide the fray, which, rather than lose, we'd gain without 
delay. (Exit.) 

Scene III,— Another Part of the Field. 

(Enter Lucullus and Cornelius.) ' 

Cornelius : I stood by him till his savagery was rumored in the city, 
and is so sad confirmed by his poor wife. 



Riifinas. 



Lucullus : He loved me before he sorely grieved my heart. I 
could weep when I recall the tenderness of his esteem, and how offended 
he did take my liking the maid, because I durst not be somebody's 
son, and 'scape his wrath e'en though I was not guilty of the fault he 
struck at. 

Cornelius : Can it be ? It is, by the gods ; I'll take my oath this is 
the boy Lucullus, and son to Fabius, Kufinas took with him on his 
journey, and who was said to have been lost with the rest. Well, well. 

Lucullus : How say you ? 

Cornelius : I marvel at the change you speak of, whereby beseemed 
to single thee out, because he could not reach to strike the blow in- 
tended at another. 

Lucullus : Even so. 

Cornelius : There is more strangeness in the world — more fits and 
starts than would make up seeming to the common eye. There's not 
one of these things seems what it is. I'll appoint thy father seemed 
thee for another, when he once sentenced thee executing his will. 

Lucullus : Ha ! mean you his Majesty ? 

Cornelius : Aye, Fabius. 

Lucullus : He ! My father ? 

Cornelius : Here he comes with scarcely breath to make the tidings 
truth. (Enter Fabius and soldiers.) Hail, uncle ! Goes it ? 

Fabius : Fie, traitor. 

Cornelius : Let me endure your Majesty's displeasure if I be so. 
But here is one, whom I engage will be a pleasure and rembrancer, in 
what should be passion of our better parts. 

Fabius : Do my eyes deceive ? Here's a catch, indeed. 

Cornelius : Nay, look not to thy followers, as much to say seize 
him, but strain him to thy heart as every father should a son. 

Fabius : Son ! Is this my son ? Is this Lucullus ? O ! Welcome 
to my breast. 

Lucullus : I were not born of woman, wife to her ^husband, and 
mother to her offspring, did I refuse a plea so fair. {They embrace.) 

Fabius : AVelcome hither. I see thee as thy mother first was seen 
by me, and love thee as I loved her then. For my offence I beg hum- 
ble forgiveness. 

Lucullus : Thou hast it, freely. 

Fabius : I'll question thee anon, to know the business further. 
Presently we have this rising to put down, which else might grow be- 
yond our coping strength. 

Cornelius : (Aside.) If it is not so already. 
Fabius : Join we every one. 
Cornelius : I for one, nay. 



Riifinas. 37 



Lucullus : I another, will not fight save to the death, and that with 
Rufinas himself. 

Fabius : O ! Excellent, excellent. Excellent, indeed ; exceeding so, 
that one brave and hardy soldier, who might be for or against us, is 
neither, while the other is of his father's mind to single out the 
father's brother. Come, put we each his purpose newly on, to know if 
matters wear as well anon. (^Exit) 

Scene IV. — Another Part of the Field. Alarm. 

Enter Soldiers in Combat, Crossing R. to L. 

{Enter Rufinas met hy Pietro and Salvator.') 

Rufinas: What news more have you to report? 

Salvator : The royal forces valiant in assault, now fly as if our reach 
meant death instanter. 

Rufinas : The time has been, I could have reaped such tale with 
chief delight. I am sorry of the business which yet I follow but for 
motive, though the cause is still the same. 

Pietro : Our master seemeth sad at what once he had hailed most 
pleasing news. 

Salvator : He is in a sparing frame withal. Not once his sword's 
been out, doing a single blow, 

Pietro : Same plight or other of the mind, perhaps, which would 
withhold him from the dealing out of death, that has so dealt too much 
already in times past. {Enter Cornelius.) 

Rufinas : Our nephew confronting us with such haste, 'tis something. 
Hear we. 

Cornelius : My uncles know I am to-day on neither side a factor. 
But I am as much for fair play as I am against foul. {Exhibits Ru- 
finas' likeness.) This indiscretion I forced by threat and great debate 
from one, confessing his master doing and thee his masterpiece to do 
upon. So having shown my will of some service, I take leave again. 
{Exit.) 

Rufinas : I would for my own good, I had never known a brother of 
such desperate having ; royal in longing, deep in drift, black in exe- 
cution. If such hell-hounds as both of us have proven 'scape the wrath, 
then hide yon heaven confusion that sin may last forever. Be we oft* 
to make this war the masterpiece of time, and place we on its brow, the 
crown sublime. {Exit all) 

Scene V.— The Castle. Fray in Distance. 

{Enter Fabius.) 

Fabius : The vision — -the vision again follows me. It cometh as 
the seeker and goeth as one. It stealeth on with night, then stealeth 
hence stealthily spectral performing. What can it be — what would it 



S 8 Riifincis. 



summon — conscience ? Mayhap premonition of the end, ghostly im- 
age of grim reaping. Ha ! 'tis even so. {Enter Cordelia. Mad.) 
Cordelia : {^Discordant) 

The day is done, — 
Shone on by sun, — 
Was fair begun. — 
Isfbully won.— O! O! O! 

Fabius : 'Tis mortal. 

Cordelia : What mighty man is this ? Sir ! Sir ! 

Fabius: My brother's wife. 

Cordelia : Listen. What a battle. Blood everywhere — shed for a 
crown — a hell maker — a curse those who wear it. 

Fabius : True, true ; ha, if thou be mad, who say it ? 

Cordelia: But the end is. I see it there— and there — {Lays hold 
of [him.) Coming— coming — all around — hurrying here as every- 
where. Destroying -killing— ending. Hal Ha! Ha! Ha! (Exit 
frenzied.') 

Fabius: Depress me not- embodiment. Nay, it is fate ! Which, in 
this woman's madness, sayeth sooth. The ruin will be complete. {Bus- 
tle ivithout. Enter Lentulus, hurriedly.) 

Lentulus : Our lines are broken, our soldiers on the run ; ere sunset 
e'en what we here defend, will be taken from us. 

Fabius : Is no way left us to stem the fatal tide ? 

Lentulus : None, my Lord. The battle's lost without repair. 

Fabius : Lentulus, my faithful nephew, know me. Thy hand for 
all time. Say to them Fabius reigned so long as power held out, that 
once slipping from him, he could not wait to have it gone, but moved 
with it, laid violent thus the nation's King. {Stabs himself, reeling off 
L., followed hy Lentulus. Enter Rufinas hearing Cordelia, dead.) 

Rufinas : I find thee, wife, but to lose thee again. Alas the day 
that I should have thee and not have thee— that the greeting is hushed, 
the cold beyond between us. Farewell to thee, the world, clash of 
arms, success, my father's house, it is nor care who climbs or follows 
after now. {Enter Cornelius.) 

Cornelius : O ! Is Cordelia dead ? 

Rufinas : See, Cornelius ! By appointment I will after her within 
this hour at most. 

Cornelius : I fear there's rash in thee. 

Rufinas : Nay, I have done with it. Boy, that which I would do, 
shall fit me for a King far more, than aught ever I did winning the 
title. {Enter Salvator and Pietro.) 

Salvator : My Lord, the city's rendered. Naples bows in homage 
to its rightful King once more. 



Rufinas. SO 



Rufinas : And the usurp— who as yet seems passed o'er without 
grief — where is he ? 

Cornelius : Here comes one who, by his looks, is full of the news to 
bursting. (Enter Lentidus hearing the croivn.) 

Lentulus : Mean you Fabius ? If so, by this token here is Naples' 
mourniug place. He is no more. 

Kufinas : Well, there is room for such cause as ours beyond. (Enter 
Lueullus.) 

Lucullus : At last ! 

Rufinas : (Draws.) Face to face ! Sword to sword ! Villain, it is 
you or I, and here the spot. ( Cornelius and others interfere.^ Stand 
aside ! 

Lucullus : Stand aside, all. Let me speak to this man and cry 
quit with him alone. He harmed me as never man was, and I, as my 
revenge, heap him with it — not thus, but thus. (Signals. Enter Scylla 
ivhom he leads by the hand before Rufinas.') 

Rufinas : O ! Noble youth ! Forgive me — I can say no more. 

Lucullus : 'Tis well, 

Rufinas : And you, my daughter, — 

Scylla: Nay, father, — if such indeed you are - your son ! (Throws 
off disguise.) 

Rufinas : Then sweet my daughter, my v/ife, and my brother I am 
with you. Come hither, Scylla. Here lies your mother - aye, mourn 
for her. Yonder in her mountain home your poor sister shares like re- 
pose ; weep for her, too. It is a cheerless union, also happy one after 
much hardship and unnatural contendiug. Come, Lentulus, Cornelius, 
Lucullus, you must be firm friends of the crown. I am truly sorry of 
the past fraught with guilt. (Lentulus offers him the crown. Enter 
from all sides followers of Fabius and Rufmas armed a7id hearing 
tro]Dhies.) But I agree to this amend : You offer me the State's fu- 
ture guidance by reason of my right to the succession I will refuse 
acceptance and establish the lineage from Scylla down, placing the 
crown upon his head. (All kneel.) While you swear allegiance his 
cause — (kneels) ~V\\ the like mine (holds his siuord high, pointing at 
breast,) and all hail him : ~ (Stahs himself. Dies.) 

All: (Solemnly.) King of Naples! (Scylla starts forivard on behold- 
ing Rufinas stab himself, and as he dies, sinks, overcome by his emotion, 
in the arms of Lentulus, Lucullus and Cornelius. Curtain.) 



(End of Act 5 and last.) 



